How to Light a Tent

Lighting a tent can be dangerous and potentially fatal if you use the wrong materials. Using fires, flammable materials, or live electrical cords is not a safe practice. This means avoiding kerosene or oil lanterns as they contain both flammable material and a flame. Sometimes it is desirable, however, to have more light than what a flashlight can provide. There are several options available for lighting your tent without the risk of suffocating the occupants or burning down the tent.

Things You'll Need

• Batteries Battery lanterns Push lights LED string lights

Instructions

Safe Lighting Options

1. Purchase battery-operated lanterns. This type of lantern will provide the most light from a safe source. Standard with LED lights, most lanterns will last between 35 and 50 hours. This type of lantern has on-off switches.

2. 

   Hang one battery-operated lantern from the centerpiece of the inside of the tent on the ceiling. Have another handy for when you need to leave the tent after dark.

3. Take along push-lights to light your tent. These lights are battery operated and portable. They are usually disk shaped and white in color, but you can find them in other shapes and colors. They are a less intense light source, but three or four will sufficiently light your tent. Push-lights are easily operated by pressing the surface to turn them on or off. Push lights are commonly advertised for stairways and closets by a variety of manufacturers.

4. Place one Push light in each corner of your tent. These lights are not well suited for hanging but can be placed on a brick, log, or suitcase in your tent to raise the light stream.

5. 

   Hanging LED string lights will give you the most light coverage in a tent. These are also battery operated and do not give off hazardous levels of heat.

6. Secure one end of the light strand by tucking it into the pole of the frame of your tent on the inside. Continue around the perimeter or down the center pole of your tent. Use more than one strand for larger or double-room tents.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use live electricity or flame inside your tent.

Resources

• Battery operated light sources